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Pine Line Trail Marathon Runner Comments

Back to Pine Line Trail Marathon Information & Reviews

Course Rating Course 4.2 
 
Oranization Rating Organization 3.8 
 
Spectator Rating Spectators 2.9 
 
 
Number of comments: 40 [displaying comments 21 to 31]
More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]

 

J. D. from Cottage Grove, WI (4/29/2007)
"Ok practice marathon. Fast, but bare bones." (about: 2007)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 2  FANS: 2


A lot of positive comments are listed for this marathon, which is why I signed up.

To be perfectly honest, I will not do this one again. First, the race website did not have directions to the park. No big deal; I figured it out by inspecting a map of Medford. Second, when I got there nobody knew where the start line was. Serious! I had several people ask me if I had any idea (I didn't). Third, a porta-potty or two would have been nice. The park facilities for those in need of a restroom were horrible. Fourth, the water stations are too sparse, and there were no gel stops. Not that a gel stop is necessary, but it is nice when you get to miles 18-23. Fifth, the finish area couldn't have been any more uninspiring. A few people milling about and a couple race volunteers. Sixth, no medals. Coffee mugs. Lastly, the goody bags were the worst I have ever seen. A sweatshirt and a couple lotion packets. That was it. I got 3X as much at a local 10K where I paid 1/2 as much. If the race charged $50 and offered more amenities, I would have been happier. I appreciate the low cost, but come on.

 

D. O. from Rochester, Minnesota (1/7/2007)
"The course is gorgeous; gravel is tough sometimes." (General Comments)

11-50 previous marathons | 4-5 Pine Line Trail Marathons
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 4


I have done this perhaps 5 times since the late 1980's. The organizers let me start 2 hours early, as I am so slow. The last time I encountered a skunk perhaps 4 miles into the race. I found a rock, hurled it and prayed. I won! This course is not for the timid but the few water stations were very helpful. Do not recommend for the novice but if you have done a few marathons, this is gorgeous.

 

N. H. from Stevens Point, WI (5/21/2006)
"Nice Race" (about: 2006)

1 previous marathon | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


I'll always remember the sound of gunfire about 8-10 miles down the gravel trail. There must be a shooting range located back there.

 

M. P. from Milwaukee,WI,USA (4/26/2006)
"Great time, few things to improve..." (about: 2006)

First Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


I had the most fun I've ever had running the half marathon. All the runners were super friendly and supportive of one another. The course is an out-and-back on a super flat, super straight gravel mix (converted train route). There were three water stops for the half marathon, at miles 1.5 and 7-ish, and then back to the 1.5 area for the final one. There was one porta-potty at about mile 4. There were very few road crossings; they were staffed by very friendly folks. Besides the road crossing guys and the water stops I didn't see any spectators. Very friendly event staff. Areas to improve: results need to be posted in a timely manner (I waited 1.5 hours and still didn't know where I placed), they need directions to the event (not everyone is familiar with Medford), they should pick a nice-looking color for the event shirts (I was barely able to hear over the super loud GREEN sweatshirt). I'll be back to run it hopefully next year!

 

D. P. from Chicago, IL, USA (4/25/2006)
"Fast course, good surface, rough logistics" (about: 2006)

3 previous marathons | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 3


Good race - probably 23 miles on a trail, which saves the knees. Could stand to have more water stops - talked to quite a few people who ran out of water near the end. You absolutely have to carry water/Gatorade if you run this race. The end was a little confusing - wasn't sure where to go once I got off the trail. Overall though, positive experience. People running it and organizing it were real nice. I would do it again and recommend it to anyone looking for a low-key event, and anyone looking to qualify for Boston (because it's flat and fast).

 

D. M. from Spring Green, WI (4/22/2006)
"I loved this marathon!" (about: 2006)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 3


The Medford Marathon was a blast. The water stations are few, there are no time splits, but there are no crowds and the trail is great to run on. I loved the low-key atmosphere, and I qualified for Boston. I hope to run Medford again!

 

S. K. from Wisconsin (4/27/2005)
"Hidden Gem in Wisconsin" (about: 2005)

11-50 previous marathons | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 5  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 1


If you like low key events this is the marathon for you. Great organization and great course but not much in terms of spectators. Marathon finishers do get mugs which is a better souveneir than another medal. For 25 dollars to pre register you get a hooded sweatshirt. Awards for the marathon include gold, silver or bronze railroad spikes. Definitely a marathon to do if you are interested in low key but high quality marathon.

 

R. C. from Minnesota (4/26/2005)
"Fine out-and-back" (about: 2005)

2 previous marathons | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 4  FANS: 2


The course was great. Trail of limestone, dirt/gravel, and even some moss/grass. A strong headwind made the first half very difficult. The second half was quite a bit better.

Organization was fine. This was truly a shoestring event--no chips. Volunteers were spectacular. Not many of them, but they stood alone in the cold--30 degrees and 30 mph winds--for hours, passing out gatorade, water, and fruit. Very few people--I'd go a mile or two without even seeing another runner near the end--but everyone I met, runners officials and locals alike, were fabulous.

We got hooded sweatshirts and coffee mugs for doing the whole thing. And Wisconsin cheese, water/soda, hot chocolate, bagels, even pizza at the end.

 

C. R. from Appleton WI (4/26/2005)
"Great Training Marathon" (about: 2005)

3 previous marathons | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 3  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 1


This was my first Pine Line Trail marathon experience. Definitely a low-key marathon without a lot of bells and whistles - which makes it unique and nice. It is a tranquil run out in the woods, farm fields and swamps. I talked with a number of runners who were participating in it for the 'nth' time so there is some repeat appeal. I did enjoy it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a first-marathon-of-the-year run. I set a 'PR' in this marathon in spite of the gale force head winds for the first 13.1 miles.

 

K. P. from Waterloo, WI (4/25/2005)
"Nice first time run" (about: 2005)

1 previous marathon | 1 Pine Line Trail Marathon
COURSE: 4  ORGANIZATION: 3  FANS: 5


Yes, it was cold, and yes it is sparse, but the people that were out there were cheering, and that makes all the difference.
And as a coffee drinker - I loved the mug!

 

More Comments: [ < 1 2 3 4 > ]


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